Ford's US sales up 6 percent in July

AP PhotoIn this July 22, 2011 photo, a Ford logo is displayed on a car wheel at a dealership in Omaha, Neb. Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, its U.S. sales rose 6 percent in July, boosted by small cars and SUVs.

Ford Motor Co. says its U.S. sales rose 6 percent in July, boosted by small cars and SUVs.

Sales of the new Ford Explorer more than doubled from July of last year, while sales of the Escape compact SUV jumped 66 percent. The Ford Fiesta subcompact was also a strong performer.

But truck sales were flat from a year ago.

July was a weak month for the industry, as consumers worried about the economy. Continuing shortages of some Japanese models also discouraged potential buyers.

Last week, Ford downgraded its forecast for total U.S. sales this year, saying they will likely be around 13 million instead of 13.5 million.